On Sunday 5 July 2015 Rev Leo Creelman was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Clogher by Most Rev Liam S. MacDaid, Bishop of Clogher. The Ordination took place in St. Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan.
Fr Leo Creelman (51) is a native of Coleraine in County Derry. He is one of nine children, five daughters and four sons of Harry and Philomena Creelman. Leo was educated at Dominican College, Portstewart and then obtained a degree in Accountancy and Economics from Queens University Belfast. After working in the family business, Leo embarked upon a very successful career as an entrepreneur and businessman both in Ireland and the U.S. Having developed business interests in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, he eventually settled there in the late 1990s. However, although his businesses continued to thrive, Leo’s thoughts turned increasingly towards the priestly life, and he embarked upon studies for the priesthood in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth in 2009.
Speaking at Fr Leo’s Ordination, Bishop MacDaid said:
“Today it is our turn to rejoice, people of Clogher, because one of our members, Leo Creelman, has answered God’s call to serve his people and has been found worthy. We, the priests of the diocese of Clogher, rejoice to have his assistance and the benefit of his many talents. We have gotten to know and love him during his time with us and we thank God for the blessing of bringing all his family together for this memorable day – his Dad Harry, his mother Philomena, his brothers and sisters Eugene, Bernadette, Anthony, Claire, Ann, Brendan, Barbara (Leo’s twin) and Siobhan (youngest). To all of you welcome to Monaghan for a day which will leave you with memories for life… We compliment Fr. Leo on completing successfully his journey of preparation. We will all rejoice with him and with his family this evening and he will have a few weeks to rest before taking up a position in the diocese from which he will bring the good news to the people of God. May God bless his ministry and make it fruitful.”
The newly-ordained Fr Creelman asked for prayer and support at the beginning of his life as a priest:
“As I begin a new phase in my life, I ask your prayers for me in my priestly ministry, that it may bear much fruit and that I may always remain close to and imitate Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd. Please pray also that many more men, young or old will hear and have the courage to respond to the call of the Lord when he personally invites them to Come, Follow me.
For me becoming a priest is by far the most exciting and fulfilling decision I have ever made in my life so far.”
